Leading Off



The Orioles went 6-3 in their nine-game homestand, which is… well, it’s imperfect, but it s what winning clubs do.







Drink of the Week







Join us for the Drink of the Week, and let us know how you’re consoling yourself as you watch the O’s. Find us on Untappd




* magn8606



* jakee4025








This Week on the Twitters




What happened to all those bees at Camden Yards? A Maryland Stadium Authority employee, who also happens to be a local beekeeper, safely relocated approximately 2,000 bees from the bullpen area on Monday. The pollinators are all right— Andy Kostka (@afkostka) August 30, 2023





I am very excited to visit the Bird Bath tonight but this is not the weather I imagined when I bought the tickets!— Stacey Folkemer (@StaceyMFolk) August 29, 2023





I remember the days where I would just pray the O's finish close to .500.Now we've clinched an above .500 record before August ends.What a world.— Alex Fast (@AlexFast8) August 29, 2023





In Kyle Gibson’s past 15 starts, he has allowed 60 earned runs in 86 innings. That’s a 6.28 ERA. In Jordan Lyles’ past 15 starts, he has allowed 58 earned runs in 85 2/3 innings. That’s a 6.09 ERA.— Nathan Ruiz (@NathanSRuiz) August 30, 2023





Joan Jett, Screwball Grip/Release. pic.twitter.com/XcYKy43ZaK— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) August 29, 2023




Around the Bases



First Base: The post-Felix bullpen



Who can you trust? Now you see Brandon Hyde’s problem… we review the current construction of the bullpen, the possible future construction of the bullpen, and which players can be counted on to take on the late innings in a pennant race.



Second Base: The fan experience



Jake went to a couple of games this week (remember the “I want to go to as many games as I can while remaining married” comment?), and talks about the crowds on Saturday and Tuesday nights.



Third Base: The Return Trip



There was a time when the Orioles brought up young, can’t-miss talent, and still managed to screw them up. Now the Orioles are promoting MLB-ready talent (Gunnar, Adley), but they’re also bringing up players who aren’t ready, and are being sent down to the minors.



Most importantly, they’re making the return trip. And they’re coming back as dependable major leaguers. The organization is doing something right, and we should enjoy it while it’s here.



Home Plate: Handling imperfection



The Orioles are a good team, but they are imperfect. And fans need to embrace that imperfection. Our understanding is that even the ’27 Yankees lost games occasionally. The Orioles are winning games at an impressive clip,